Course Rigor for CU Boulder

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Colorado
1

I’m aware that CU Boulder uses a holistic admissions process, so they are likely expecting to see some AP classes. As I will be applying to the competitive Leeds School of Business, I am questioning whether or not my courses are considered rigorous or not. I screwed up my sophomore year and took a class with a teacher I didn’t know would be bad (Spanish 2).
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on my high school courses.

Freshman Year

Physical Science (No honors Physical Science available; Some kids skip it and take honors biology but don’t take science senior year)
Spanish 1
Band
Honors Geometry (Most students take Algebra I / Math 1 so I’m a year ahead; Few students take Algebra II Honors because it requires you to take Algebra I in 7th grade)
Honors English 9
Jazz Band
P.E. (Graduation requirement)
GPA: 4.0

Sophomore Year

World History (Didn’t take AP World I didn’t realize it was important; History isn’t offered until sophomore year))
Spanish 2
Band
Biology (Didn’t know out school had honors bio; AP Bio not offered)
Honors Algebra II
Jazz Band
Honors English 10
P.E. (Indepent Study; graduation requirement)
GPA: 4.0 (98-100 in non-honors courses; 94-96 in honors courses)

Junior Year (* indicates weighted course)

Band
*Honors Chemistry
Spanish 3 (Not taking honors because I don’t feel adequately prepared)
*AP Computer Science
*Honors Trig/Math Analysis (Pre-Calc)
Jazz Band
*AP Language and Composition

  • U.S. History (at the local junior college over summer)
    Estimated GPA: 3.7-4.0 UW

Senior Year

Band
*AP Physics 1
Spanish 4 (may not even take)
*AP Government and Politics/AP Macroeconomics (these are semester courses blocked into a year)
*AP Calc AB
Jazz Band
*AP Literarure and Composition
Estimated GPA: 3.5-3.8

Assuming all other aspects of my application are in check, is this course load rigorous enough to be competitive for Leeds? Also could you recommend any schools that I would be a good match for?

Thank you in advance.

2

In my opinion this looks to be more than acceptable for Leeds, how are your SAT or ACT score?

I am out of state and didn’t take a single AP course and will be attending Leeds this fall
I received the Presidential Scholarship which is $55k over 4 years

Best of luck, I cant wait to move in…21 more days!

3

@UMath154 What do you want to study? If you want an undergrad accounting major, that will point to different schools than if you want to study marketing, finance or entrepreneurship. Do you want to go to a large public school or are smaller privates on your list? U of Denver has a strong business program and very good scholarships, with your GPA you may win, but your test scores need to be high as well. Your courses look good.